Wedding•Reviewed on June 1, 2007•From Rockville, MD
Mr. Goldman, they were a great, talented band... but:
The person in charge confronted Mr. and Mrs. Haverkos in front of guests about when they were going to be paid. To me, that was unexceptable. The night wasn't even over.
On top of that, they took an HOUR break. That's absurd. Then there was the request I made from the beginning about being able to play some Chicago. Not only did they not play any, but the leader rudely turned down requests to do so.
Again, the music was great and everyone danced the whole night. I wasn't going to say anything, but if you want a review, I have to be honest. They were good, but I will not be recommending them.
Thanks, Paul
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While we agree with the first statement, we do take exception with most of the others. Our bandleader discreetly requested payment prior to the final performance set as is fairly common with most wedding bands. At no time was he confrontational, however. Meanwhile, for an entire four hour event, we took only one short break in addition to a second break of approx. 45 minutes while waiting nearby the stage for speeches/toasts to conclude. Finally, although we learned and performed six Chicago songs especially for this event while also taking several requests, with so many crowding the dance floor, nobody seemed to mind. But we apologize if some favorites were missed.
Review by Laura M.
Wedding•Reviewed on February 17, 2007•From Springfield, VA
THE MUSICIANS WERE VERY TALENTED. BUT THERE WERE A LOT OF LONG BREAKS.
THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN AS WELL AS EMBARRASSINT BUT IT MAY BE THE REASON WE DID EXPERIENCE THE LONG BREAKS - THE LEAD SINGER HAD TO TURN AWAY FORM THE AUDIENCE MANY TIMES DUE TO A VERY LARGE AND VERY NOTICABLE ERECTION! THIS MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A HEALTH REASON - I HAVE NO IDEA BUT IT WAS NOT A GOOD "LOOK" SINCE THE EVENT WAS A WEDDING AND THERE WERE CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE. IT WAS NOTICED BY MULTIPLE ATTENDEES AND CREATED AN AWKWARD SITUATION FOR US ALL THAT I WILL ADDRESS WITH THE BAND MANAGER!
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Many years ago, a famous entertainer once told us, "In this business, you'll hear everything..." Now, I think we finally have! These comments are highly unusual/offensive and cannot be directed to us as our performers do not take long breaks, nor do they have health issues of this type. Furthermore, we had a crew videotaping the event, and in reviewing over three hours of footage, the guests are having a great time on the dance floor while our singer never turns away from them or appears to have the problem described. So this review is either the result of a computer glitch or somebody's idea of a practical joke. Please remove it from our gigmasters profile at once.
Review by Rebecca F.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on March 17, 2006•From Chantilly, VA
Overall everyone in enjoyed the Moonlighters however I was not impressed with their professionalism. Midway through their performance one of the singers changed into sweat pants. They also were not accomodating with song choices.
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We find these comments surprising as the event's host was extremely pleased, and none of these issues were raised previously.
Our band strives to present a sharp, professional appearance at all times. In this instance, one of our singers had changed into her casual clothing AFTER the final set had ended.
The band was then asked to perform an additional three to four songs, past the contracted time for the guests' continued enjoyment. As always, we were glad to oblige.
Our singer did not think to change back into her formal clothes for this brief encore though, and we apologize if anyone was offended.
In regard to song selection, this band knows hundreds
Review by Lucille B.
Wedding•Reviewed on May 7, 2005•From Reading, PA
I was told in an e-mail that "We'll do a great job at reasonable volume levels with a nice variety program. looking forward to having them at my daughter's wedding...I am very disappointed!!!
We'll even provide a first-rate sound system and experienced MC at no additional charge". And that's an exact quote. When the band got to the reception hall, they were totally unaware that they were supposed to be the MC!! The gentleman ( I believe it was the bass player) did announce the wedding party after some prompting but was only participating minimally as the master of ceromonies as promised. I was very disappointed. I told them they had bad communications with the booking agent or whoever I have been communicating with for the last several months. Also they took a 45 minute break between the 2nd and last sets. That was not very professional. I was really
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Although we do offer MC services as part of our standard gigmasters response, interested clients will discuss this with us well in advance of the event.
We had been communicating with this client for almost NINE months, and at no time were MC services ever requested. In fact, the first time any details were presented to us was on the day of the event. Consistent with this client’s last minute style, she contacted us just weeks before to request an additional musician. And the first dance songs were requested only days before.
Nevertheless, we successfully made all required announcements and satisfied all requests. Had the client provided at least a basic itine
Review by Dennise F.
Anniversary Party•Reviewed on May 22, 2004•From Alexandria, VA
I've had nothing but a good customer service from the Moonlighters. I look forward to working with them.
Dennise Fath
Review by Autumn T.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on October 18, 2008•From Leonardtown, MD
Aside from performing a few too many slow songs for a birthday party they were fantastic! Very talented, very polite. Every person commented on how much they liked them. Did a great job at sticking to the 50s theme. I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys the Motown style of music!
Review by Sabra G.
Wedding•Reviewed on February 14, 2009•From West Friendship, MD
We hired the Moonlighters for our Valentine's Day wedding and we got lots of compliments about the band! They even let my brother play bass with them, which was a really lovely way to involve him on my special day!
Review by Tye H.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on October 4, 2014•From Edinburg, VA
Tons of fun. Very nice to work with. Really played well to the crowd
Review by Kishore T.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on June 20, 2014•From Washington, DC
Review by Elisabeth K.
Wedding Cocktail Hour•Reviewed on December 30, 2012•From Bethesda, MD
Wonderful!!! The moonlighters were amazing! Great music, nothing to complain! I'm so happy we booked them for our wedding!
Review by Claudia G.
Corporate Function•Reviewed on September 24, 2012•From Washington, DC
Review by Debbie I.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on December 10, 2011•From Bethesda, MD
Amazing band! Really engaged the audience, enthusiastic, outgoing, extremely talented. Would recommend for any party/event...had us dancing the night away!
Review by Melissa H.
Corporate Function•Reviewed on September 12, 2011•From Frederick, MD
The Moonlighters were FANTASTIC!! They set the mood for the entire evening and were even able to get some of the guests out on the dance floor...which is saying a lot with this group! I would definitley recommend them to friends and family for future event.
Review by Karl H.
Christmas Party•Reviewed on December 17, 2010•From Vienna, VA
Filled the dance floor at our office Christmas party, would definetely hire them again.
Review by Kristina H.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on December 21, 2010•From Oxon Hill, MD
The Moonlighters did a fantastic job at our wedding! They brought such wonderful energy to the room. Everyone was dancing until the very end. Vance also was wonderful. I spoke to him a week before the wedding and he completely put my mind at ease that everything would be taken care of and it definitely was! I couldn't have been happier with them. I would recommend them in a heartbeat (and already have!). Thank you Moonlighters!!!
Review by Jen S.
Retirement Party•Reviewed on August 13, 2010•From Falls Church, VA
What a fantastic band! They started on time and played without a break, despite the intense heat outside. Songs were perfect for our guests, and everyone enjoyed the music. My only regret was not booking them for a longer timeframe, as they left us wanting more. All band members were professional, friendly, and easy to work with. Can't wait to have them back for my next party!
Review by Heather M.
Wedding•Reviewed on September 26, 2009•From Leesburg, VA
The only issue was they came late and didn't do the sound we requested for the ceremony. And they were just terrific and really made sour wedding fabulous!
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Thank you for the kind words. And we're glad everyone had such a wonderful time. However, we were NOT at all late for this event. The booking agreement clearly stated "6:00pm-10:00pm" as the time of engagement. All band members were there by 4:30pm and everyone was set-up and ready with time to spare. However, nobody was able to provide us with any direction in regard to providing an extra speaker and mic. for the ceremony although we asked several people on-site, including the event coordinator, photographer and even the groom himself.
Review by Keith B.
Wedding•Reviewed on June 6, 2009•From Silver Spring, MD
Review by Tara B.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on October 11, 2010•From Gum Spring, VA
Great band. They were easy to work with, accommodated my two requests and did a good job. Everyone at the wedding was very pleased with their performance.
Review by Robin S.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on July 22, 2014•From Chesapeake Beach, MD
The Moonlighters were terrific! They were everything we needed them to be for our wedding reception. When we asked for certain songs to be played that they weren't able to learn/play, they offered playing said song selections through an iPod. We actually noticed that they didn't really play much of what we requested from their song list, which was slightly off putting; However, the guests raved about them and we were thrilled with the overall performance.
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Thanks for your comments, Robin! With an extensive play list of over 400 songs, you certainly had us stumped with several unusual requests. While we learned some of them for your event, others were simply impossible for a live band, so that's why we recommended the recordings instead. And while we tried getting to as many of your selections as possible, we could only cover 20 or so, because in order to maintain the energy flow, while keeping everyone on the dance floor, we need to constantly read the crowd, taking some of their requests as well. There's always a fine balance involved. And of course, the results speak for themself with another successful event...
Review by Mark F.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on June 14, 2011•From Saint Leonard, MD
Band was great. Took the thunderstorm in stride and started playing as soon as the weather cleared. All requests from guests were honored and we received many compliments from friends and family. We would highly recommend them.
Review by Donal O.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on January 14, 2012•From Washington, DC
We all enjoyed the Moonlighters. They got everybody up to dance!
Review by Liz W.
Prom•Reviewed on April 28, 2009•From Middletown, DE
Review by Will B.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on May 5, 2009•From Stevensville, MD
Great band but could not seem to get the volume down to the point where dinner guests could hear themselves talk during the meal. The contracted scenario was to have soft jazz during dinner, the dance music afterward. Instead, they started at full strength and with singers right away. A real hit after dinner.
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Thanks for your comments, Will! And it was a hit, indeed!!! Unfortunately, there was some miscommunication as the musicians were instructed on-site to start with their full band and singers?! But we're glad you and all the guests appreciated their performance...
Review by Gerry V.
Wedding Reception•Reviewed on August 13, 2009•From Springfield, VA
They did not play non-stop music to keep the guests dancing continously, they stop each music number and did not keep the guests dancing. Frequent breaks, after a few music numbers, they take a break. The band was unable to get the guests attention with the kind of music they played.
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With all due respects, we typically do play non-stop music. And the band is famous for getting the guests on the dance floor and keeping them there. With HUNDREDS of songs in our repertoire, we read and crowd and take requests. That's our successful formula. BUT on this particular night, the father of the bride was the "star of the show". He continually interrupted the flow of our program, essentially clearing the floor each time, as he requested the songs that he wanted to hear, stopping us every 30-40 minutes for speeches and other planned activities. Since he's the paying customer, we offered suggestions, but followed his directions against our better judgment.
